5 EASY STEPS ON GAINING SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS
The Holiday Issue + Opting Out for Turkey Day + Must-Have Holiday Trends + Hosting Your First Thanksgiving
November/December 2020
Shenea Brown
Creating a Community to Uplift & Inspire
Empowering the Graphic Designer in You Canva's Unlimited Potential
10 Ways to Feel Better About Yourself INNOVATIVEMINDSMEDIA.COM
MON DAY• O C . Y A D N
CHOCO
O M E T T A L .
LATTE
W W W
ICE CREAM
IMM
TABLE OF CONTENTS 07 08
Editor's Note
08
Skin Care Tips for the Winter
09
by Tania Marshall 09
Must-Have Holiday Trends Get Your Shopping List Ready!
19
6 Tips to Host Your First Thanksgiving
11 22
By Cassie O. Lopez 22
IMM Exclusive
28
Empowering the Graphic Designer in You
Creating Her Community with Shenea Brown CEO & Founder, HerCollectively
By Tiara Barnes 34
5 Easy Steps on Gaining Social Media Followers
28
By Sheba Kamisri 36
Entrepreneur Highlight with Shannon Taylor
CEO & Founder of I'm Book'd Box 44 10 Ways to Feel Better About Yourself
By Lauren Vaughn
34
36
IMM Editor-in-Chief Matia Johnson-Buggs
Creative Director Executive Producer Contributing Editor Contributing Designer Senior Editor Design Editor Editorial Assistant Art Director Deputy Photo Editor Photo Assistants Staff Writers
Contributing Photographer
Contributing Writers Contributing Illustrator
Dominic Guerrero Taylor Klein Marcus Daily Kelsey Carter Angela Mitchell Alma Myers Patti Lawrence Wesley Sherman Josephine Vasquez Gustavo Becker, Noah Scott Cassie O. Lopez, Tania Marshall, Tiffany Davis, Emilio Cruz, Derek Hough Jonah Denworth, Jeff Ho, Mariela Naplatanova, Jonah Marquese Tiara Barnes, Sheba Karmisi Santiago Holmes
EDITORIAL OFFICE P.O. Box 1565, Bowie, Maryland 20721 info@innovativemindsmedia.com IMM Magazine is published content created by Creative Expressions Group, Inc. www.innovativemindsmedia.com
IMM Magazine | 05
NEED TO GET YOUR NAME OUT THERE? We'll help you bring out the absolute best in your brand.
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editor's note It's hard to believe, but this issue marks my two year anniversary as CEO of Innovative Minds Media. Two years ago, I was planning vigorously for the official launch, staying up until 4am to put together the website, and launching the Instagram all simultaneously. A year ago today, and with a powerful, dedicated team to back me up, we are stronger than ever before. So without further ado, I would like to extend a big, huge THANK YOU to everyone who has worked diligently to push the production of the magazine to the forefront. Everyone who has written an article, liked a Facebook post, or even commented on an Instagram piece gets a HUGE virtual hug from me! Your support is monumental! The holidays are coming up, and everybody is learning how to navigate their social lives amidst a pandemic. With out usual advice on branding and marketing, this issue brings you a look at some holiday must-have trends, just in case you're at a stump on what to snag this Christmas. Also, if you're not up to cooking for Thanksgiving, we have a list of some of the most delicious places to eat in our Nation's Capitol, and also, if you're pre-heating that oven with a little anxiety, there are some tips on how to host your first Turkey Day. But what really makes the holidays wonderful? Could it be the season to take care of yourself and your brand while allowing yourself time to spend with loved ones? Whatever your holiday affair may be this year, we recommend one thing. Living it to the fullest and preparing yourself for what 2021 may bring! Reward yourself on making it through one of the most difficult years yet, and here's to productivity in the future! Are you tuned in? Innovative Minds Media has recently launched our podcast! Listen to us on Apple Podcast, Google, Spotify, and a plethora of other platforms. Join CEO Matia Johnson-Buggs as she brings motivational pieces, branding and marketing vibes, and special guests. Also follow us on our handles below:
Cheers to you, CEO. Be blessed,
www.facebook.com/InnovativeMindsMedia/ www.instagram.com/innovativemindsmedia/
Matia Johnson-Buggs
IMM Magazine | 0 7
SKIN CARE TIPS FOR THE WINTER: by Tania Marshall, Photo by John Adams Now that the weather is changing, it's not only time to break out the booties, pea coats, and scarves, but it's also time to take care of your skin, even more so than before. By tweaking a few habits you can keep your skin fresh, vibrant, and beautiful with these five tips below: The Spa is Your Friend Schedule yourself a much needed sugar-scrub or full day at the spa. Your skin will thank you! Exfoliate Twice a Week The winter weather can be cold and dehydrating for your skin. This will also remove dead skin cells and allow the skin to absorb moisture. IMM Magazine | 08
Stay Hydrated Remember to drink 6-8 glasses of water every day. Water consumption can also aid in weight loss. Drink Warm Lemon Water This drink is insanely inexpensive to make (haha, it's actually free), keeps skin glowing, aids in digestion, and can help you lose weight and is packed with vitamin C. Get Plenty of Rest Money can't buy the benefits of a good night's rest. Your oxygen levels will drop if you don't get enough sleep, meaning that your cells will not be renewed as quickly. >>
MUST-HAVE Holiday
Everything to to
blazers, see
store
what for
Trends
from flip
jewelry through
trends
the
are
in
holidays!
IMM Magazine | 10
IMM Magazine | 12
IMM Magazine | 14
IMM Magazine | 16
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EXCLUSIVE
6
Tips
to Host Your First Thanksgiving Are you a bundle of nerves due to We did a poll and asked our readers for you hosting Thanksgiving for the their Anxiety into hosting your first Thanksgiving is rising. Don't be scared out of your wits. Use these 6 tips to help you navigate Turkey Day with ease!
best
advice
on
hosting
first time this year? Well, join the Thanksgiving dinner, and here are 6 club and wipe that sweat off your essentials, distilled from the most brow. Hosting and cooking this great frequent points we heard, that will suit American meal is a big milestone for you
the
best
in
preparation.
If
a cook, but it also can be a HUGE Thanksgiving seems daunting, these 6 moment of some nail-biting anxiety essentials will make it less so. They’ll
WRITTEN BY CASSIE O. LOPEZ
and nerves. Well, our readers have show you how to get organized, stay
PHOTOS BY JONAH DENWORTH
quite a lot of advice for you.
calm, and enjoy Thanksgiving more than ever! IMM Magazine | 19
#1. Stick with Tradition
#4. Cook Ahead
Thanksgiving is not the time to switch things up or try
Make sure to cook what you can in the days in advance. You
something "new." Give the people what they want and
can prep the turkey the night before, so that you just have to
what they'll expect. That means don't serve tapioca-shrimp
place it in the oven in the morning. Mashed potatoes can be
pudding or cajun fried rice instead of turkey and stuffing.
made ahead of time and heated. And you can set the table and
Make it easy on yourself and stick to the basics, no matter
have all the serving dishes out and ready to go the night
how many Youtube videos you have to watch on basting a
before.
turkey. #5. Call in the Reinforcements #2. Create the Right Ambience
Still feeling like you don't know what you're doing? Moms or
Get into the spirit of having a little decor. Create a festive
grandmothers come in handy at this stage. Also, there might
place for people to mingle and eat. Fall leaves or branches,
be relatives who will want to actually help you cook. If things
acorns, or cornucopias can be used to decorate your dining
get really bad, you can always call the Butterball Thanksgiving
room. You can prepare at the start of November or at least
hotline at 1-800-BUTTERBALL (yes, this is a real hotline and
in the week before the holiday.
we aren't just joking). The Butterball Web site also offers online chats that run periodically before Thanksgiving and
#3. Plan Ahead
turkey text messages.
Part of the reason hosts get stressed out on Thanksgiving is because they're unprepared and they wait until the last
#6. Remember the True Meaning of Thanksgiving
minute. Instead, you should choose your menu about one
The purpose of the holiday is to show gratitude for the bounty
month before the holiday. Write it out - from cocktails to
we have in our lives. Ask everyone to share for what they are
appetizers to dessert. Determine what ingredients you'll
thankful. Be the first to show your gratitude. You are the host
need and plan in advance.
of Thanksgiving, after all! >>
IMM Magazine | 20
27
Opting Out for Turkey Day Are you not much of a cooker? Don't have any big plans for Thanksgiving and don't feel like putting up with your dysfunctional family? Listen, we've been home enough all year, so if you want to go out and eat Thanksgiving dinner amidst a little social distancing, by all means, go for it! DC’s got plenty of opting-out, out and about, restaurant options just for you. For starters, you can hit up Bourbon Steak Restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue for an array of delicious choices on their menu, including toasted hazelnut crunch, sweetbreads with beets, pistachio, campari, and roasted turkey. For other options, we have The Buddha Bar and Blue Duck Tavern. So don’t you dare preheat that oven! With all of these good choices you can never be bored, or hungry! Enjoy!
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IMM Magazine | 21
EXCLUSIVE
COVER STORY with Shenea Brown Photographer: Omar Faroul
CREATING HER COMMUNITY A COVER INTERVIEW WITH ENTREPRENEUR, SHENEA BROWN With creating a community where women of color can
SB: It is interesting you ask that because I never saw
be valued and uplifted, Shenea Brown has hit a
myself becoming an entrepreneur. I think my love for
goldmine. As Founder and CEO of HerCollectively,
women empowerment and love of community made
she
are
other people see something in me. I remember having
unbreakable so that women can embrace who they are
a conversation with a girlfriend Natasha Gordon last
authentically.
of
summer and she encouraged me to do it. At the time
sisterhood, she's empowering, strengthening, and
she recently started her own consulting company, Joy
goal-setting. Find out what drives this CEO woman of
Gordon Consulting. She is a fellow Educator like
God below:
myself so I was thinking, “Sis, when did you make the
concentrates
on
While
forming shifting
bonds the
that
narrative
IMM: How did you develop the idea of your brand, HerCollectively?” SB: I joined a program called the DreamHER Program. A Group Coaching program led by Janelle Langford, which is an 8-week program that is designed for women who want to get their businesses off the ground. Her mission is to empower and equip women to manifest their God given dreams and ideas into a profitable reality. Janelle Langford is a Branding and Life Stylist and has been in the entrepreneurial industry for over 15 years. She helped me think more critically about my brand, the colors, the theme and logos. I could not thank her enough. She took my vision and made it a reality.
time to get this done?” She said that I had everything I needed to make it happen. I remember being so scared, fearful, and creating all these scenarios in my head as to why I could not make it happen. My boyfriend further confirmed it and said to me, “You are way too socially connected not to do this.” “People love you, you have a way of making people fell welcomed. This has you written all over it.” I remember being so scared, fearful and creating all these scenarios in my head as to why I could not make it happen. I already have a full-time job as a school psychologist so how could I possibly make room for being an entrepreneur? But here I am, doing what I never thought could be done.
IMM: What was your key driving force to becoming an entrepreneur? IMM Magazine | 23
IMM: How do you build a successful customer base?
SB: By being exactly who I am and delivering exactly
SB: I believe you build a successful customer base by
what I say I will. Keeping my word bond. I am shifting
being consistent. You must be a presence on your
the narrative of sisterhood by leaving the door open
social media. Drop questions in your captions, engage
for other women. About two months ago I created an
your audience. You have to be a brand that people can
IGTV series titled: “A Seat At The Table” which is
depend on bringing quality content. Not just any
designed to have women who are entrepreneurs
content but content that speaks to the soul. Your
discuss how they are using their platform to make
audience can tell if your genuine or not.
When
room for others at their tables. There is something
someone steps onto the HerCollectively page you feel
special, unique and beautiful we all bring to the table.
welcomed, inspired and empowered. I would also say
I am here to help my fellow sister tell their story and
having your audience subscribe to your mailing list
share it with the HerCollectively Community.
ensures they are the first to be in the know on all things HerCollectively!
IMM: How does the HerCollectively Book Club work?
IMM: What is your definition of faith and how do you
SB: I started my book club group about four years ago
incorporate it in your everyday life?
titled "Women, Wine and Words" with a group of
SB: Faith is knowing God is working even on your
women who wanted to get together and create
darkest days. Faith is the silver lining in your day, the
dialogue through literature. Once I announced that I
light at the end of the tunnel. It is because of God’s
would be moving into a bigger direction with the
grace and mercy I am still standing, alive and present in
brand they decided to still be apart of it. However,
this world. I incorporate faith in my everyday life by
the book club group is a membership fee of $15 per
showing gratitude, being appreciative of everything I
month. The book of the month is available on the
already have. When you live in this way, God will
HerCollectively website. Currently, the book club is
provide you with more abundant living. I also make
made up of 8-10 members. You have the option to
sure to be apart of God’s word by taking part in a plan
pay quarterly or yearly. The book is on you, the
via the Bible app. During the pandemic season I must
experience is on me. Right before Covid-19, in
say I have drawn closer to God. He is really and truly
February I gathered all the women to have a book
the source of my strength. I also recite this verse to
review on our read, "The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi
myself everyday: “God is within her, she will not fail.” -
Coates at a black owned restaurant in the heart of the
Psalm 46:5. This helps keep me grounded and makes
Harlem area of New York City. We had such a great
me realize no matter what comes my way, God will
exchange over food, wine and drinks. Then COVID-
never let me fall.
19 happened and I had to think quickly about how I was going to keep the book club going during the
IMM: How are you shifting the narrative of sisterhood
season. Given the financial circumstances I decided to
through your brand?
suspend the membership fees.
IMM Magazine | 25
This would allow other women to be introduced to the
IMM: “If you had a magic stick, which are the three
book club group and get an idea if this group was the
things you would change in the world?
right fit for them. We welcomed two new members
SB: The three things that I would change in the world
and one of our original members. I coordinated two
if I had a magic stick are: ending the racial injustices of
virtual book reviews via zoom and the dialogue was
our black people, closing the educational gap that
everything! It was if we didn’t miss a beat. The
exists among our black and brown children, and
conversation just flowed and it was exactly what we
ensuring quality maternal health care for our future
needed during this season. We got an opportunity to
and current black mothers.
gather in Central Park in August and have a socially distanced book review on “Clap When You Land” by
IMM: If you were to write a book about yourself, how
Elizabeth Acevedo. The membership fees will resume
would you name it?
in January. I have learned that in this season you have
SB: “We Make Plans but God Laughs.”
to pivot, if not you will plummet. IMM: What type of special projects do you have in IMM: You’re all about empowering through curated
store for 2021?
events. What is your favorite type of personal event?
SB: Some special projects that I have in store are: the
SB: Honestly, I cannot choose my favorite type of
Vision Board Experience Workshop with my dear
event to curate because I love curating them all. But if I
friend, Jessica Green of "Power in Pajamas" which will
had to pick one it would be the one focusing on the
take place in January 2021.
spiritual wellness of our women. The Vision Board
(March) I am going to be having an event titled,
Experience event held in January was so amazing. The
“Solitude and Restoration” which is created with two
energy of all the women creating their visions
members
collectively over food and drinks and laughs made my
Tyesha Williams and Wisal Abdulfattah. In addition,
heart smile.
also planning for a bigger and better 2nd Annual “Ride
from
the
For Women’s Month
HerCollectively
Community:
for Black Mothers” event. This is a bicycle riding We also had each woman discuss their vision board
event where I partner with other organizations raising
aloud declaring positive affirmations over themselves
awareness and donating funds to help support the
and their visions. We ended the night in prayer and it
work around the black maternal health crisis. I look
truly
left
forward to collaborating with some more women led
HerCollectively with their personal vision board, a
organizations and business as well so we can continue
goodie bag, and raffled off other amazing tools to get
to all grow collectively. >>
set
the
tone
for
the
year.
They
the women started off right for 2020. I also know that there were new connections made which is always at
Support
this
vivacious
movement
the core of a HerCollectively event.
www.hercollectively.com, and follow Shenea on her Instagram handle: @HerCollectively.
IMM Magazine | 26
by
visiting
EMPOWERING THE GRAPHIC DESIGNER IN YOU Author: Tiara Barnes
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I have just the solution for you---Canva! Canva is an online graphic design platform that allows users to create a wide range of visual content--social media graphics, posters, flyers, logos and much more. The platform's drag-and-drop feature takes the complication out of graphic design. Canva empowers non-designers to consistently create breathtaking graphics. With all the features included in the platform, it’s motto “Empowering the world to design” is very fitting. Users can access Canva for free along with 8,000+ free templates and hundreds of thousands of free photos and graphics.
million premium stock images, videos and graphics. If you work in a larger team and need advanced brand and collaboration control then Enterprise is the right plan for you. For just $30/month users are able to establish multiple brand identities and control team members access to designs. What if I don’t know anything about graphic design? Canva has you covered. The platform offers educational courses, events and resources to get you thinking like a designer. So what are you waiting on, check out Canva today!
IMM Magazine | 29
Alpha D E S I G N E R
S U I T E S
ALPHADESIGNERSUITES.COM
Top 5 Worst Holiday Gifts
Tis the season to be thankful for what you receive, unless what you receive is a big pile of crap that either you don't like or will never use. We all know the famous saying: "It's the thought that counts."
Yes, we've heard this before. But how can it count, when....there's no thought put into it? Just to be safe, view some of the most awful Holiday gifts from our By Tiffany Davis listing here, and do yourself a Photos by Mariela Naplatanova favor and steer clear from these Holiday No-Go's!
#1. SOCKS Think about this one. Everyone has socks. They don't need you to buy them any more. Let's try to think outside the box.
#2. GROOMING PRODUCTS "i.e. soap, razors, etc." This may very well set off a bad message. “Are you trying to tell me something?” They might ask you that right before the pimp slap. Remember to duck. IMM Magazine | 31
#3. HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS "i.e. PineSol, Bleach, etc." Again, you may be sending off the wrong message. It’s not your home. Why are you buying cleaning products for someone else’s residence? You deserve another pimp slap.
#4. GYM MEMBERSHIP Unless they have verbally expressed how bad they want this (i.e. Screamed to the top of their lungs on how much they want a gym membership, “Will somebody please help me and get me this!”, kicked objects, obsessively watched Carmen Electra workout videos over and over, you get the point), then don’t go there.
#5. COSMETICS Men, beware of this one. No matter how much that lady behind the MAC counter helps you, you will never know the exact shade, color, tint, hue, etc for your significant other’s skin. Leave it to the females on this one. We know beauty. If you stay away from these baddies, then your Christmas shopping should be a breeze. Don’t forget, when in doubt, buy a gift card!
IMM Magazine | 32
French Connection C'EST LA VIE, MON CHERIE | FRENCHCONNECTION.COM | MONMACARONS
5
Easy Steps
on Gaining Social Media Followers Social media and engagement go hand in hand. Find out how to curate content that works.
The
number
one
question
for
personal and business brands alike is
It sounds cliché, but it's the truth!
how do I gain social media followers?
Nobody can be you, and that is your
However, the real question should
superpower. People can quickly tell
be, how do I set myself apart from WRITTEN BY SHEBA KAMISRI PHOTOS BY JONAH MARQUESE
the trends that don't age well and build a legacy for myself? The top 5 best proven social media following growth hacks include but aren't
IMM Magazine | 34
#1. BE AUTHENTIC
limited to:
when you aren't yourself. From your fashion sense to personality, it all counts. Your audience must trust you for you to be influential in their lives. After you gain your audience's trust, they'll most definitely try recommended brands you collaborate with.
#2. KNOW YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE
Socia-opoyl and political views are regularly shunned
Being aware of your target audience requirements puts
from, but, often speaking out about ongoing issues and
your content engagements for them as a top priority.
regularly being actively engaged is how well-established
Often times, this step is overlooked because people think
brands and personal brands have remained relevant,
appealing to everyone is essential. Ten loyal supporters
especially during times like today. Part of being authentic
are better than thousands of fake followers because
is using your platform to speak to issues ailing you
those ten people will advocate for you to their
personally and your community.
supporters, who will likely become your supporters as well.
#5. BE CREATIVE Your potential new audience and brands you'd like to
#3. POST RELEVANT CONTENT REGULARLY
collaborate with are looking for innovative and creative
Posting relevant content that you engage with your
ways to engage audiences. As long as your content
audience is vital. The algorithm will be in your favor the
provides room for creativity, you will continually gain a
more engagement you have with your posts. Be aware of
growing audience. You can do this by going live regularly
the times you post on your platforms by looking at the
to discuss topics that are relevant to the issues you cover
peak hours of engagement and post right before them.
through your content. You can also prepare one-minute video clips to post regularly on your feed, and lastly, by
#4. POST ENGAGING CONTENT
using reels the new Instagram feature.
If your organize your content to show you are a master at your craft, you must be willing to engage with your
BONUS Tip: Create a test social media account about
audience continually, so they comment on your post
something you are passionate about and see what works
about their thoughts on the topic. This applies to
and doesn’t work. You will realize no matter how many
personal brands and well-established brands, considering
accounts you create the trick is to remain consistent and
the social and political climate we are in.
follow the tips mentioned above. IMM Magazine | 35
ENTREPRENEUR HIGHLIGHT
with Shannon Taylor
A DC based business on wheels: The Mobile Book Boutique by Culture House, Washington, DC. "Read, Dream, Create, Grow."
"I'M BOOK'D BOX" FEATURE ENTREPRENEUR HIGHLIGHT WITH SHANNON TAYLOR Got time for some reading and inspiration? Need an
IMM: What comes in one box?
antidote away from the hustle and bustle of managing
ST: Each box contains a book, custom bookmark,
your brand? Indulge in some "me time" and get into
personalized motivational letter, and 4-5 in theme
the I'm Book'd Box' monthly subscription experience
novelty items. The novelty items specifically fit the
that encourages creativity, growth, and the promotion
monthly theme and are most commonly products
of purposeful living through books! Shannon Taylor,
created or made by other small-owned women
CEO and the creative maven and owner of I'm Book'd
businesses or minority owned businesses.
Box, had a dream for people to gain inspiration while accessing a community of support. Find out more
Examples of previous novelty items are affirmation
about I'm Book'd Box below:
cards, buttons or stickers, gourmet treats and body
IMM: How did you come up with the concept and idea for I'm Book'd Box? ST: The idea for I’m Book’d Box came out of a need as a wife, a mom of two juggling a full time career and family and friends just how difficult it can be to make time to engage in activities that promote purposeful living. I’m Book'd Box was born from the idea that sometimes you just have to create a calendar appointment for YOURSELF! My passion behind I'm Book'd Box is to grant women the permission to take time for themselves to READ, DREAM, CREATE, and GROW. Most importantly, access to a community of support that can help you along this journey.
IMM Magazine | 38
butters or bath salts. IMM: What does the process of shipping and ordering look like? ST: Subscription boxes are shipped out the 1st of every month. We offer a 3, 6, or 12 month plan. The subscription plans ensure that you will receive a box monthly since monthly feature boxes are released in limited quantities. We encourage subscribing so you won’t miss out. All orders
are
submitted
through
our
website
www.Imbookdbox.com. But it doesn't stop there. In addition to our subscription boxes you can also shop inventory from the Mobile Book Boutique.
The July Subscription Book box, filled with creative items that are included along with the book. That month's theme was “ Paint the picture of yourself that you want the world to see.” - Sip n Paint
Wow, take a look at that face! The power of creativity and inspiration, right at your fingertips. This happy camper is in one of the Mobile Book Boutiques at one of our pop-up events.
IMM: We are just so in love with your mobile book
In addition to the bookclub we engage out Book’d
boutique. How does it work?
Babes through our social media platforms. We do
ST: The Mobile Book Boutique primarily serves as a
weekly Author features, promote our weekly events
bookstore on wheels, but is so much more. We use it
and where one can find us in the Mobile Book
as a vessel to further our mission, and create an
Boutique. We are in the process of developing a blog/
experience. The Mobile travels all over the DMV and
community platform for additional conversations
pulls up in neighborhoods, at pop up markets, and
about the monthly read and how novelty items are
private events, bringing books and the joy of reading to
being implemented in their lives.
the community. IMM: How does one contribute? It’s exciting to come inside and see all of the amazing
ST: We are always looking to connect with authors to
things on our shelves. From books to subscription
continue to grow our inventory and variety in the
boxes, novelty items and even our “Business Book’d
topics of the books we offer. We would love to
Shelves”- a small pop-in section where we offer
continue to collaborate with other small businesses
products of other small businesses for purchase. The
and offer their amazing products in our subscription
Mobile is 1 year old. Since our launch we have a
boxes. If anyone is interested in having their book
inventory of books from over 25 independently of self
offered in the Mobile or products featured in our
published authors and have featured products of over
subscription boxes, they can connect with us via our
45 small businesses.
website and complete an interest form.
IMM: How does one join the Sister Circle Bookclub?
IMM: What are your next steps for 2021?
ST: The Sister Circle Bookclub is a bookclub that
ST: In 2021 I’m Book’d Box is looking to continue to
promotes purposeful living and growth and the support
grow our brand and visibility of the Mobile Book
a sisterhood to assist you in the journey. We have
Boutique. We want for people to think of the Mobile
Sister-chat” meet ups were we gather to discuss the
first for your book needs before heading to a large
monthly book. We meet up at many different locations
box store. We are also looking to grow the business
to experience many different things. Meeting at a wine
by adding a small retail space. A brick and mortar
bar for a tasting or getting nostalgic and meeting at the
versus of the Mobile. A space to also engage with
roller skating rink. I like to say that books bring us
other Book’d Babes while continuing to product the
together but the experiences are #LIT- erary. You can
small women owned business ecosystem. Lastly for
join by visiting our website and checking out the
2021, we are developing the Sister Circle Bookclub
bookclub tab.
into a social club. Continuing to enhance the experiences and activities of our monthly meet ups
IMM: After someone receives their box, how can they
into something else beyond just books. >>
join the I’m Book’d Box conversation? ST: The best way to join the I’m Book’d Box
Subscribe for an inspirational, collective box on the
conversation is to join the Sister Circle Bookclub.
Instagram handle: @ImBookdbox. IMM Magazine | 41
A few members of the Sister Circle Bookclub after one of the monthly meet-ups. "We love to take pics and show off our books. I always say “Books brought us together, but the experience is #LIT-erary." - Shannon Taylor
IMM Magazine | 47
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